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HISTORY OF BREED'S 



'(COMMOJVir_ CJLLEB} 



iBUJSTKEWS HILL 



. AJjJut 



BROUGHT BETWEEN THE 



AN|> THE 






JWNB 17, 1775. 



m mtfm'mmmMi i9& 



A REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER, 



SOCKETS HdRBOM : 

yRINTED By TRUMAN W. HASKELL,; 



1830. 






TO THE PUBLIC. 



ANY thine; connected with the history of the birth day of 
a Nation will be cordially received by the Patriot and States- 
men. The record of the war of the revolution, and espe- 
cially the first contested battle, cannot fail to swell the bosom 
of the veteran soldier, and to excite feelings of gratitude to 
that God who has thus long preserved his life in war and in 
peace; and while he reads the unvarnished, though faithful' 
history of the ever memorable battle of BUNKER'S HILL, 
from the trembling hand of a fellow sufferer in that eventM 
day that "tried men's souls," may he be able to look back 
with heartfelt pleasure upon those youthful days when ha 
dared to breast the cannon's mouth in defence of his home, 
his fire side and country, to achieve the heaven born blessings 
and privileges now enjoyed as the result of his toils, his 
hardships and privations; and with a humble reliance and 
well grounded hope on the Lord Jesus Christ, be prepared 
to unite with the^ kindred spirits of a WASHINGTON, a 
WARREN and all those worthies who have gone to that 
''undiscovered country from whose borne no traveller re- 
turns" in praising their Creator God, and of enjoying th© 
high and unbounded felicity of the redeemed of the Lord. 

The author of this little work has been anxiously waiting 
and expecting to see a more full and perfect account of that 
important epoch by a more able pen, but the frost of nearly 
seventy winters, his trembling limbs and tottering frame re-^ 
mind him that soon he must go to the land of our lathers ; 
and having taken minutes of the battle at the time, from 
which this history is drawn, he ventures to lay it before an 
indulgent public, with the hope that it may in some degree 
cheer the declining days of the remnant of that Spartan band 
who gave birth to a Nation of Freemen ; and perhaps serve 
as a beacon to the youth, in leading them to usefulness and 
honor, impress the mind of every American with the price 
that has been paid for the liberties we enjoy; confidently 
relying upon their patriotism and valor to defend and trans- 
mit them unimpaired to the latest generations. And here I 
must be permitted to remark, that while we have (as a na- 
tion) been prosperous and happy — from thirteen thinly in- 
habited and dependent Colonies, we have become twenty- 
four populous and independent States, highly blessed of 
heaven, and the wonder and admiration of the world, the 
boast of Republicans and the dread of Tyrants, and while 
v/e hear the high sounding and reverberating strains ©f 






o 



'■'\ 



LIBERTY, INDEPENDENCE, WEALTH AND GLORY, 
from the lips of the youthful champion, enjoying the hon- 
ors, the luxuries and pleasures of independence and plent}'-, 
the painful visage of the war-worn soldier, decrepit with age 
and infirmity, clad in rags — dejected and miserable — desti- 
tute of the ordinary comforts of life — poor and penniless — • 
homeless and forlorn, appears, and with pale cheeks and a 
faltering voice proclaims a nation's ingratitude ! " I have 
served my country in a trying hour — I have met the enemy 
and they are ours, I have risked my life for the liberties of 
the people, and thank God, America is free. But I have ru~ 
3ned my constitution— rny health and strength are gone. I 
received my pay in continental money and it rvas good for nothings 
and here I am, dependant upon the cold hand of charity — I 
Jiave asked the government for a Pension to feed and clothe 
myself and my aged wife in our declining years, but it is refus- 
ed, the witnesses of my services are in their graves or not 
within my knowledge, and thus we are left to languish, to suf- 
fer and to die!!!" 

A few years more and all will be gone — Then O happy 
Americans, Freeman and Republicans, hasten to bestow the 
too long delayed justice to your fathers and benefactors. 

In presenting to the public this history, I have no desire 
or expectation of acquiring fame, in the last days of my life, 
but an ardent desire to perpetuate the dawn of that day that 
emancipated these happy and United States from a foreign 
yoke, and gave us a name among the nations of the earth, 
and to keep alive that national feeling, and gratitude to that 
God who has thus far upheld us, and with the earnest pray- 
er that he will continue to be our God, and that we may be 
his people,i)oth here andhereafter. Such are my objects; and 
if any beneficial result is produced, to this or future genera- 
tions, it will be the height of ray ambition for thia work. 



Battle of Bunker's HilL &c. 



THE h&tUg in'CbarlestownjBIasBachusetts, which was fought b@<t 
tvveen the Erilish and Americans on (he 171h of Jung 1775- 
was an event of great interest and importance. It was the first re". 
al trial of strength and courage between the troops of the parent 
country and the provinces. The affair at Lexington and Concord 
on the I9lh of April preceding, could hardly be called a battle*-— 
The battle of Breed's Hill was a rash affair on the part of the Amer- 
icans; it was so considered at the time by many judicious men ia 
the Provincial Congress, and Committee of Safety, though the ma- 
jority of the latter did finally sanction the enterprise. Even War- 
ren, ardent and resolute as he was, considered it a desperate under- 
taking. No reasonable man could have supposed that the America 
cans would maintain their position so near Boston, where the Brit- 
ish had 10,000 regular troops, and where they had command of the 
waters of Charles River by their ships of War. Had the latter been 
as successful, as they had reason to calculate^ they would, with Iha 
troops they had at Charlestown, have driven the Americans from 
their works, (which afforded but a partial shelter, almost destitute 
as they were of cannon as well as of pow^lepj) and pursued them to 
Cambridge, where General Ward was stationed with the main body 
of the provincial troops; and who would probably, have been rout- 
ed by a force so powerful. The plan of taking possession of the 
heights of Charlestown, was adopted in consequence of inteHigence 
that the British Genera! intended to occupy that position, and also 
the highland on Dorchester Neck, on the south of Boston ; in order 
to extend his situation and to take advantage of possessing those 
commanding places, to attack the Provincials at Cambridge oc 
Rosbary, nheneverthey might think proper. It was not until the 
15lh of June, that the Americans determined to occupy the former. 
Why more time was not allowed for preparation, is not known. It 
is probable there v/as an apprehension that the British intended tm 
take immediate possession. The detachmeat ordered upoa this 
most beaardous enterprise, consisted of about 1000 msa under Iha 
particular and immediate command of Col. William Preseottj of 



Pepperellj in the cotinfy of Middlesex. Far the greater part of th® 
detachmeot belonged to Massachusetts, and chieOy to that county, 
and included a part of Col. Ebenezer Bridge's and a part of Frey'a 
regiments, with about 120 from General Israel Putnam's reginaentj, 
(from Connecticut) with Captain Knowlton as their chief officer, 
FuJnam accompanied this detachment, and accordiag to the te^i- 
mony of several respectable witneeaes vpho were in (hs espedilion, 
bad the superintendence of it, or gave direclion and advice, which, 
even if he attended aa a volunteer must have bad influence. That 
be bad the official and authorised command, may be difficult to 
prove by direct evidence. The orderly book of General Ward is si- 
Icnt on the subject. Putnam was very active as well as a brave of- 
ficer, and had seen much military service in the war between France 
and England. Colonel Gridley was with the detachment and act- 
ed as engineer. This detachment of provincial troops proceeded to 
the peninauIa,of Charlestown, late in the evening of the I6lh of June. 
They paused on Bunker's Hill, but after some consultation, they 
concluded to advance to Breed's Hill which lies nearer Boston by 
about 120 rods, and is about the same distance from the banks of 
Charles River. It was nearly midnight when they began to throw 
yp a redoubt (as had been previausly ordered by a council of war 
at Cambridgfl) for a partial defence agniost the British, who, thej 
could not but believe would soon £t!ack them : As a fortress of 
which they were to retain permanent possession, they could not 
Ibave proposed it ; for without more cannon, and a greater supply of 
amunilion, they mast have known that they could not long hold out 
against the siiperltir and formidable force of the British in Boston. 
Such was the opinion even of the saoguiae and heroic Putnam, ex- 
pressly given by him to Genera! Warren, when he came on the field 
just before the enemy Srat advanced to the attack. In the course of 
(be night v.'hea the works vi^ere in forwardness, and the men indus- 
triously engaged in completeing them, General Putnam returned to 
bis quarters in Cambridge. But early in the morning on hearing the 
cannonade of the British, which began soon after the dawn of day 
from their fort at the norJh part of Boston^, and their ships of war in 
Charles River, he rrpaired again with great alacrity to Charlestown. 
Daring the night, Col. Prescott attended by Msj. Brooks, proceeded 
to the margin of the river to ascertain whether the British were a- 
larmed and were preparing to attack them ; but all appeared quieto 
At an early hour of the morning, Prescott sent to General Ward' aS 
Cambridge for provi«ions and reinforcements. His men were fa» 
Signed and Ihi? works were not fmiBhed — No answer and no supplies 
were received. 4t riiqe o'clock Msjor Brook?, as a conSdeBUs^S oS^ 



7 

ficer, ivaa despaichcd to bead-qaariera with an urgeot r«qaest (of 
more sappiies and men. Notwithstanding this message required the 
greatest possible despatch, he was obliged to travel on foot Nc» 
horse was to be procured. It was nearly ten o'clock wheo he arrived 
at Cambridge ; a consultation was immediately had betw«en Gen^ 
Ward and otbersj as to the propriety of sending more troops from 
the main body at that place. It w?8 believed the British would a° 
vail themselves of the circumstance, of a great portion of the pro- 
vincials being at Charlesfown, to make an attack on Csmbridge by 
passing directly over the bay from the western part of Boston, di3= 
perse the men retained there, and destroy the scanty stores collect-' 
ed, which would prove an irrepairable disaster. It was considered 
necessary therefore, to retain a large force at Cambridge, notw!th° 
standing the perilous situation and urgent request of Putnam and 
Prescolt. The remainder of Putnam's regiment, stationsd in th® 
easterly part of Cambridge, near laraan's Farms (so called) 'weT& 
very desirous of marching to Charlesfown ; but Genera! Ward be=- 
lieving their service would be more important in checking the Brjt= 
ish, should they come out from Boston and make an attack npom 
head quarters: at a late hour, hows vsr, they w^re permitted to 
proceed to Charlestown for the support of Iheir fellow citizens 
there engaged. These were commanded by Captains Chester Colt 
and Claik, and reached the rail fence, where Knowlton was 8tatio!i« 
edjustasthe engagement began. 

At an early hour in the forenoon, Gardner's regiment was or- 
dered \.o proceed down the Charlestown road near the foot of Pros- 
pect Hill, and there to remain till further orders should be givca 
them. In this situation they remaiaed until after one o'clock j 
when seeing the enemy's boats pass over to CharIe8fown,the Colo- 
nel consulted with his otBcera, and it was agreed ia march imrnedi.- 
ately to the heights of Charlestown. The autho^ belonged to Co3„ 
Asa Wbitcomb's regimentj stationed east north east from Cambrigde 
College, in fair view of Boston, Charlestown, Breed's aud Bunker's 
Hill ; about one o'clock, seeing Gardner's regiment march, our 
regiment appeared anxious to go ; our Colonel was absent, the 
Mejor said that he had orders not to leave the post, but notwith^ 
standing, if part of said regiment would turn out, he (the said Ma*- 
jor) would go: there was something like one hundred turned oisJ 
and marched immediately to Charlestown common, near the neck^ 
when cannon balls came across from the Glasgow Frigate of thir- 
ty-six guns, acd three floating batteries on the other side of the 
neck, in the Mystick river and began to destroy the board fencee 
and houses, then the Major halted his meo, and expressed iblni8«lll' 



8 

In thia m&QEOF) '* Ke have come wilkoul ordei's, now every man re- 
turn to the. campf^ CHpt» Beisjamia Hastings a man nearly Beventjr 

years of age^ who bad serf ed m tlje French war, stepped out and said 
boys (true enough for we were boys (hat turned out) you that ars 
not a/raid, foUow tne, for i will go oa to the Hill or die in the at- 
leaopt." Thirly-four followed th® old hero, and arrived in lime, 
Captain Hastings and his little SparJan baad, was placed at the rai! 
fence, north of the snjall redoubt. lo the mean time it had been 
concluded by General Ward to seed to Medford for some New 
Hampshire militia, midev Colonels Stark and Reed, who were or- 
dered to Bunker's Eiii for a support lo the men already there. It 
was between ten and eleven o'clock when the messenger was dea- 
pached from Cambridge with these orders. The brave New 
Hampshire men soon prepared to obey. Bat it was about one 
o'clock when they left Medford, and must therefore have been two 
o'clock or after, when they reached Bunker's Hill. They were in 
season, however, to repair to the line on the left of the redoubt at 
{he breastwork and rai! fence, where the ConGecticat troops under 
Captain Koowlton were, by the special djrection of General Putnanj 
already stationed, when the atleck was first made by the enemy. 
Putnam, rode to Bunker's Hill and even to the neck, or stiU 
further, to hasten on the reinforcement wiiicb were requested and 
especfed as ?oon as the Sritish landed at Morton's Point, met the 
New Hampshire troop?, and entreated their immediate presence at 
the lines, with which they as readily complied. He also probably 
directed or advised the position most suitable for them to take.— 
Parts of LittSe's regiment, sent on from Cambridge and Gardner's al- 
ready mentioned, arii^ed on Bunker's Bill just before, or about this 
time and were directed chieOy to the rail fence, but some to the re- 
d®ubt. At this Sime also, or a fci moments earlier, (for it was ')mi 
before the Briiish rxiade the first attack) Judge Winthrop savT 
Putnam and Warreo converdog, together a Utile In the rear of the 
(eastern part of the breashvoirk; on the left of the fort. A soldier in 
KaowUoo's company also states, that just as the battle began, he 
saw Gs!3. PiJiaam earnestly engaged ralfjlcg some men who were 
refrcafiag towards Bunker'^ Hill, and that aflerhe had drove back' 
as many as lia could, he rode Icvi'ards the. redoubt. In the coursa 
of the forer5Gos:i's Rotwi;h£!sndsng She heayy fire of the Briiish from 
their ships of war srsd thsk arUHery in Bostoa^; aredoubt vtas 
(brown up by the Ameiicans of abont 3 rods square, and a breast- 
work on the left of it ^yJ.end'wg down the eastern dec!i?iiy of (he hill 
about 70 faet. East of fhls breastwork a:id a little northerly, in the. 
rear of if, was lbs .rail feaco at which the CosGeoticut mea were 



first placed, and afterwards the New«.Han3pshire troops aad iw& 
companies of the Connecticut forces, aa well as soaie belongirag ta 
Massaehusetfs who came on about the aams time. The rail fenc© 
Btretched almost to Mystic River, and an effort was made by th© 
Connecticut force under Koowiton, to reader it something like a 
protection, by adding another fence in the vieinify, snd throwing up 
some grass recently mown, egaiast it. Coioael PrescotJ commaa^ 
ded in and at the redoubt, wbich had just been finished under his 
inspection — He seems to have had the sola command of this impor- 
tant post, whila Putnam was urg.'srsg on the recruits aad lospectiag 
the troops in other parts of the Peninsula. Not only was the da- 
iachment under Capt. KnovfUon ordered to the rail fence OE th® left, 
but most of the fresh troops which caiae on the field as reinforce^ 
menfs, were directed to lake the same position. The redoubt was 
Eufiiciendy furnished with men to act with effect thoagh deficient 
in cannon, amunilion and bayonets, to enable them to repel thss 
British, who were superior both in nnmber and equipments^ A 
part of Little's regiment sesms to be the only troops ordered to th© 
redoubt, ia addition to those stationed there at an enrly bour. On 
the left at the breastwork and rail fence, a large force became ladis' 
pensible. The movements of the British, soon after they formed 
for the attack, fully indicated their purpose to march a large detach» 
ment near the margin of Mystic River, at a coasiderabi® distance 
northeast of the redoubt, and then to make an attack In the rear of 
it, A great portion of^ their troops were so disposed cf as sooo to 
render this plen most evident; vjh'iU another party of ikem prepaif" 
f d to advance directly in front of Ibe redoubt Prescott was in full 
preparation to receive them at the fort, and the attention and activity 
of Putnam were put ia r€€[Uieiloa to meet tbera on the left, and f©- 
prevent their advancing in that direction. Ascordingfy we flajf 
from all the testiiaony giveE at the time, and subsequently, IhaS 
Gen. Putnam was making every possible effort to forward fresfe- 
troops to that qnarter. For this purpose soon after the British lan- 
ded, he rode to the Neck aod beyond, and urged the scattered com- 
panies and parts of regiments which he found, to proceed with the 
greatest despatch to the rail fence, and to the breastwork on the left 
of the fort. The British were soma time in deteriaining upon the 
particular mode of attack, and in forming, after they had decided- 
It was between 2 and three o'clock w'ben they first adi?sncsd to tha 
bloody contest. This was dona ia two separate bodies, one direct- 
ed towards the redoubt on Breed's Hill, and the other towards tba 
rail fcBce oo the left and near Myalic River. The British began 
the fire upon the profiociais when at a considerabb dietaace, and 



10 

*fithsat ciaeb effect. But the latter reser^etl their fira by this es* 
press orderi of Putnam and Prescott, do doubt by previous agree- 
ment, until the enemy had approached within about e'ght rod? 
when they poured forth a raost destructive volley of small a.rm»^ 
end continued it for some minutes, (as rank after rank of the 
Brilisb 9ucc«eded) by which a great number of the assailants were 
cut to pieces, while comparatively few of the Americans received 
say injury. The Britieh troops were soon thrown into confusion, 
and returned to the margin of the river, where they first landed. 
The British ofiacers soon rallied their men and formed anenr for a 
second attack, during which time, Gen. Pulman rode to the neck, 
to preBs OQ Buch of (he militia as might haro advanced thus far, 
and eome of whom were reluctant to march nearer to the place 
of Blaughter. The incessant firing of a sloop of war, and of sever- 
al floating batteries in Charles River, rendered it estremely danger- 
ous to pass on to the peaiusula. Putnam rode over the neck re- 
peatedly to show them that he mas without Jtar^ and that it was pos- 
sible to pass unhurt. The British soon advanced a second time, ea 
before, a portion towards the redoubt and others to the breastwork 
and rail fence on the east. The Americans were prepared to re= 
ceive them with equal resolution and at (he first assault, and orders 
were again given by Putnam, Prescott and other ofScers, to with- 
hold their fire until the enemy should approach even nearer than 
before. The enemy were again repulsed with great slaughter.— 
They lOon shrunk from the tremenduousfire of the provincials, and 
a second time relumed to to the banks of the river. The British 
Boldiers were discouraged and were compelied to make another 
attack by repeated orders and threats, and not then until a rein- 
forcement arrived from Boston. The Americans, on the contrary' 
were elated by their repeated succesSj though the otficera must have 
perceived (he dlSicuIly of long maintaining their position, uniees 
they could receive a new supply of ammunition, and large rein- 
forcemienta of men. The third attack was not made by the British 
without considerable-delay. They sent to Boston for more troops, 
which were forwarded with all possible despatch, accompanied by 
severel ofiicers of high rank and great military skill and experience. 
During this interval, it appears that General Putnam again rode to 
the neck and a short distance beyond, where some provincials had 
aeeembled from the neighboring towns. Some of these were uq. 
Wtlliog te proceed, sg If was very dangerous passing the aeck, and 



11 

as (hey expected the troops on the heights must soon retfeat.— 
At this time also, unfortucately, apart of the artillery, from a de- 
fect in the apparatus of their guns er some great error in judgment^ 
retired from the field of action, which served to discourage the mi- 
litia from advaneicg. These men belonged to Massachusetts, were 
^mperfectSy organized, and unaccustomed lo miUtary discipline. 
The resolute and brave, however, readily hastened to the relie^ 
of those who had already been long engaged. Having urged the 
advance of these troops, Putnam returned to thoae he had left at 
the lines, with the great despatch for which he ^vas disdnguishedi, 
acd arrived some time before the reinforcements came up to 
encourage the men, and to direct thair movements on the re- 
newed attack ©f the British, which was then espected. In tho 
third and last attack the enemy conducted with much deliberationa 
They were convinced of the great importance of their field artillery 
and particular care was taken to have it accompany ths troops. 16 
was taken to the eastern declivity of Breed's Hill between the raiJ 
fence and tho breaslworkj where it was directed along the line of 
the Americans, at the latter position, and a part pointed also into the 
opening or gate-way of ths redoubt, which was on the north east* 
em corner. The redoubt was now attacked also on the southeast" 
ern and south western sides by the enemy with fixed bayonets. At 
the same time a column of British advanced against the Provin- 
cials posted at the rail fence, on the extreme left. Those in the re- 
doubt were destitute of bayonets and their powder also was book 
expended. In this situation, after having made a most resolute 
resistance for some time, but without a possibility of maintaining 
their ground, and in the h@pe of saving the lives of his brave men 
the intrepid Prescott ordered a retreat. To effect this, surrounded 
as he was by the British, was a difficult task. The troops on the 
left were ordered to cover them as thej retired ; and this important 
service was performed with ability and despatch. Putnam and 
Prescott having braved the enemy as long as hope remained, were 
Very active in conducting the retreat. Though many of the A- 
mericans were killed or wounded by the British troops \i>ho pursu- 
ed them to Banker's Hill; yet a great degree of regularity k. order 
was maintained by the attentioa 8Ed acUvily of the ©Scera, asdst- 



eu by some fresh troops who arrived at tbls lime. This was hS" 
tweeu six and seven o'clock. General Putnam propoaed to make 
a stand and fortify ; but the plan was to© desperate to meet the ap- 
probation of any other officer. He wished at least io face the enemy 
and give ihem one -niorefire before they left the Peninsula. But the 
mpn were too much exhausted, and too destitute of ammunition to 
comply with bis proposal. The provincials therefore passed over 
the neck, and some posted themselves at Winter, and Prospect Hiila 
within a mile and a half of Bunker's Hill, and others proceeded to 
Gen. Ward's head quarters at Cambridge, a distance of about three 
miles. Just at the moment the word was given to retreat, General 
Warren who was near the redoubt received a raasket ball in the head 
and immediately expired. He was President of the Provincial 
Congress and of (he committee of safety at this time, and three 
days before, bad been appointed a Major General of the Massachu- 
setts troops. On this occasion he was merely a volunteer; hi^ 
ardent and patriotic feelings led him to the scene of danger as soon 
as he beard of the threatened attack. He was among the most 
eminent of the many brave men who, at that critical period were 
ready to sacrifice every thing for the liberties of their country.— 
The slaughter on this occasion was very great. The British had 
nearly 1600 killed and wounded, and the Americans estimated 
theirs at about 350. Some statements have given different numbers, 
but the above may be considered as very near the truth. Govern- 
or Gage's account, prepared soon after the battle, gave only 3000 
in the engagement and 1100 killed and wounded. But it was his 
policy to make the most favorable report possible. From the most 
accurate calculation, it is evident that the whole number of the 
British engaged, could not have been less than 4500, (some sup-* 
pose about 5000) and soon after the battle it was reported and gen- 
erally believed, that the whole number of the enemy killed and 
wounded, amounted to 1492, ninety of which were commissioned 
officers. Of the provincials 200 were wounded, and 156 killed 
and missing, SO of the latter were afterwards known to have return- 
ed to their respective homes the night fono\viDg the battle. The 
principal officers killed or mortally wounded, in the provincia! 
regiments, were General Joseph Warren, Colonel Thomas Gard- 
cer, who survived a few days, Lieutenant Coloael Parker, who 
was mortally wounded and died the week after in prison at Boston ; 
and Majors M'Ciary and Moore, The number of men killed and 
wouniled in (he several regiments engaged were as follows : In 
Prescott's 42 killed and 28 wounded; in Bridge's 16 killed and 30 
woundfcdi io Frey's 15 killed and 31 wounded; in the detachment 



in 
O 

from Putnain'a regiment consisting of about 250, 15 were klHed 
and 30 wounded ; of tlie two New Hampshire regiments under 
Stark and R«ad, (the latter of which was not full) 15 were killed 
and 45 wounded ; in Little's 7 killed and 26 wounded ; in Brewer's 
7 killed and 11 wounded ; in Gardner's 6 killed and 7 wounded; in 
Whitcomb's 5 killed and 8 wounded, and a few belonging to Nix- 
on's and Gerrish's regiments. In reference to the officers who 
particularly disllDguished themselves on Ibts ever memorable occa- 
aioa by their activity, their zaal and courage, we may justly name 
General Israel Putnam of Connecticut, Colonels William Presootf, 
Ebenezer Bridge, James Frey, and Moses Little, Colonels Jaha 
Stark and James Read, both of New Hampshire; Gen. Poraeroy, 
Lieutenant Colonels John Robinson and Wiliiam Buckminster, 
Major Henry Wood, (General Warren, Colonel Gardner, Lienfenanfc 
Colonel Parker and Majors M'Clary and Moore, who were slain or 
mortally wounded in the action) Captains Enowlton, Chester, Coit 
and Clark, Lieotenanta Grosvenor, Keys, Dana and Hills, all of 
Connecticut, Captain Henry Dearbon of New Hampshire, and Cap- 
tains Burnham, Trevett, Ford, Walker, Bancraft, and Hastiogs, 
Ensign Thomas Miller, and many others exhibited great proofs of 
patriotism and courage, whose names it is not in our power par- 
ticularly to mention. The survivors of that brave and heroic 
band of freemen who made such a resolute stand against Ihe British 
troops on this occasion, which are recollected are General Henry 
Dearbon, Major John Burnham, Capt R. Trevet, Judge Grosvenor, 
General John Keys, General Benjamin Pierce, Deacon Thomas 
Miller, Major Daniel Jackson, Captaias B. Dana, Joha Brazer Esq. 
and Mr- Timothy Thompson, 

The Americana justly considereil this defeat a great disaster, but 
they did not despond. It taught them the courage of their men, and 
the necessity of greater dicipline and preparation. The want of 
system and military subordination was fully perceived. To thig 
in part, was attributed the final failure of that glorious enterprise. 
It would be unjust perhaps to accuse any one thtn in high civil 
or mii'tary authority, of inactivity or want of spirit and zeal. The 
contest was a glorious one to the American?, for unprepared and 
unfurnished as they were with military stores and implements ; a 
different result could noi have been justly ezpected. That great- 
er reinforcements were not provided, was perhaps, the fault of 
no individual. But had they been furnished, the British would 
probably have been checked and repulsed in their third attack, as 
Ihey were in the two first. The enemy could boast only of hay- 
i»g obtsified poasessioa of the field, for which they coateBded.-— 



14 

But U waa not without sfouble the number of men to those vihom 
ihey eogeged- And they were convinced by melancholy facts, 
that the provincials were too brave to be conquered, or to be at- 
tacked except by superior numbers, and vsith every advantage of a 
competent artillery and a full supply of military stores. Though 
Jhe American troops remained for some moBths almost wholly 
without cannon, and deficient to an alarming degree of the essential 
article of powder, the British made no attack upon their lines nor 
attempted any offensive operation. There are different accounts of 
the number of British troopa engaged in this battle ; some have sta- 
ted them at 3000 and others 5000. General Gage in his official ac- 
count said there was about 2000. By comparing several early 
statements, it appears that somewhat mora than SOOO first landed 
at Charlestows, and mads two attacks upon the AmericanSjacd that 
about 1000 passed over afterwards, as a reinforcement, and joining 
those of the first detachment who survived, made the third attack 
when the redoubt was carried. The whole number of provincials 
engaged did not probably much exceed 2000. Soon after the affair 
at Lexingion and Concord, of the IStbof April, the *' minute men" 
fso called) and others to the number of about 15000 assembled m 
the vicinity of Boston, many of them were without elQBciect Sad 
complete equipments. In powder they were very deficient, and as 
Jo artillery, it was little more than a name. Of these men nearly 
lOjOOO belonged to Massachusetts, Gonnecticut and New Hamp'^ 
shire, and Rhode Island furnished the remainder. General Ward 
was appointed commander in chief hy the provincial Congress of 
IVIaesachuaetta. General Thotnaa was second in command, and 
was stationed at Rosbury, Washington had sjot taken the chief 
command ; he was appointed about the middle of June by the 
Continental Congrees and arrived at Cambridge on the 3d of July, 
when the troops were soon organized, as a national army. It is 
probable however, that before he took the command, all the troops 
collected, acknowledged General Wafd as chief, and that there 
was an understanding to act in concert, and with some regularity 
and system ; though the organization of the troops was not perfect. 
A contrary Euppoeition would imply estrcme inattention or want of 
aiilitary knowledge, both in the committee of safety and in the offi.=!- 
cers assembled, several of whom, had been in the campaign of 
1756, 1757, and 1758. It is said by those who were then living 
and in a situation to know all the circumstances connected with the 
enterprisp, thst it was undeifaken at the praticular instance of 
General Potnaraj Rod ^bat Colonel Prescott requested (o have tha 
[30st Is3 wijich !i<5 &0 braTely disliaguisbed blmself. Putnam eir- 



pressed the opinion that somethiag must be done (uoprepared a& 
tbey then weie for oSfensive operations} to employ the men and ec- 
eastern them to military service. He conducted the expedition t© 
Noddle's and Hog Islands in BoBton harbor, the last of May, to 
prevent a large quantity of sheep from falling into the hands of the 
British, in which he discovered great activity and courage; and oo 
the lOtb of June he marched from Cambridge lo Charlestown witb 
most of the provincial troops, collected at the former phce. This 
was done in full sight of the British in Boston, and with a view to 
excite a spirit of emulation and courage in the mililia who were 
assembled in arms for the defence of the country. Though called 
C»eneral, he had then the command only of a regiment, which was 
the case with several general officers in Massachusetts at (hat time. 
The other Connecticut troops were stationed at Rosbury. Judge 
Grosvenor (supposed to be now living) was a Lieut, in the corps, 
and was woundfd the next day at the rail fence. The statement 
lately made by him is as follows : '< I was one of the detachment 
from Gen. Putnam's regiment,posted at Cambridge. On the evening 
of the 16th of June, Capt Eoowlton with four subalterns and 120 
men were detached and marched to Breed's Hilt with others of 
Massachusetts. General Putnam was with U3, and attended ta 
Irayiug out the ground for the redoubt. He returned to Cambridge 
that night and attended early the next morning. He was on the 
Hill repeatedly during the day and particularly at the posting of the 
troops in the redoubt, and at the arm of the ditch, leading nortb 
towards Mystick River, and at the rail fence adjoining the river„ 
Colonel Prescott was constantly with the troops, but General Pul^, 
nam was backwards and forwards during the day, to bring in reict- 
forcements. He commanded and ordered the troops engaged, witfe 
regularity and satiefaction so far as I know." A direct line froim 
Copp's Hill, at the northern part of Boston, where the British had a 
fortress, is about a half a mile from Breed's Hill in CharlestowD,, 
No reason can be given why the Americans chose to fortify Breed's^, 
rather than Bunker's Hill, but that it was nearer to Boston. Buno- 
ker's Hill is much more elevated and would have been more diffi^ 
cult ta attack by the enemy. Brooks was Major of Bridge'is regi- 
ment. He commanded a battalion of minute men in the aSair at 
Concord on the 19lh of April. During the war of the revolutionj,. 
he held a Colonel's commission, and was repeatedly distinguished 
for acts of bravery, and was held in high estimation as a correc* 
diciplioRriao. Afterwards he was Major General of the militia, and 
GoFernor of Massachusetts. It was at this period thai the towD of 



16 

Charlestown was set on fire by Ibe British, acd ihe whole burnfj 
consisting of about SCO buildiogs. 

A British officer, said, " the Americans fought like BevihP 
The troops at the rail fen«e were closely engaged with a column of 
the British troops when those of the redoubt were obliged to re- 
treat. Ihey fought with great bravery and hitherto prevented the 
advance of the enemy, whose plan was to force their way and tura 
4his flank of the provincials. Here the New Hampshire men under 
Colonels Stark and Read, ar,d (be Connedicut men under Captains 
Knowlton, Chester, Clark, and Lieutenant Grosvenor, gave proofs 
of a firmness and courage which richly entiiled them to the glory 
of a victory. According to the statement of several persons w-ho 
were in this battle, Putnam and Prescott kept in tha rear of the 
provincials as they retreated, and were much esposed to the Ore of 
(he British troops who pursued them to Bucker's Hill. 

Major General Warren, at the time he was killed, was Grand 
Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 

The author of the present eketch of the battle of Bunker's Hillj 
continued in the service until the term of his enlistment expired, 
which was early in 1776. At the expiration of the term of his lirst 
enlistment he again enlisted for the further term of one year, the first 
part of which, he was stationed in or near Boston, and the lalte'^ 
part in New Jersey where he was twice slightly wounded, end re. 
ceived hU discharge at Bound Brook in January 1777. Early Iq 
*77 he again enlisted in what was then called the continental Of 
regular service, was elected an orderly sergeant, marched immedi' 
Btely For Ticonderoga, arrived there in April of the same year and 
remained there until July following, was in the disasterous though 
probably unavoidable retreat of St. Clair'i army to Stillwater, on 
ibe 17th of September, and on the 6th of October was in the bat- 
tles fought at Bemas' heights led on by tha intrepid and bravs 
(though afterwards Infamous) Arnold. Soon after the battle of the 
6th of Octobfir, Burgoyne surrendered, and the brigade to which the 
author belonged, acd the greatest part of the New England troops, 
marched to a place called Valley Forge, about eighteen mii^s from 
Philadelphia. In June 1778 he marched to New Jersey, he was \n 
the battle fou«!;ht at Monmouth on the 20!h of the same month, was 
also at West Point when Arnold deserted the American army, and 
at the siege of Yorktowa, Oct. 1731. 

It may not be improper to remark, that of Si boys, who volun- 
teered under Captain B. Hastings five were kHled and eight wound- 
ed, and the author v^as one of the latter. He was bora at Pfinc*?- 
ton. County of Worcester, Comsaonweftiih of Massachusett?, Jan. 
29, 1760. 



17 

Presuming- it will be acceptable to all, I take the liberty of 
closing with the remarks of the Hon. Daniel Webster in 
his speech in the Senate of the United States. 

"NEW ENGLAND'S DEAD." 

"I shall enter on no encomium upon Massachusetts — she 
' needs none. There she is, behold her and judge for your- 
' selves. There is her history. The world knows it by 
'heart. The past, at least, is secure. There is Boston and 
' Concord, and Lexington and Bunker's Hill, and there they 
'will remain forever. The bones of her sons, falling in the 
' great struggle for independence, now lie mingled with the 
'soil of every State, from New England to Georgia, and there 
'they will remain forever." 

Henderson^ Jefferson Counhj^ J'feio York, June, 1830, 



LiBRflRV OF CONGRESS 

■IP 

011 800 471 A 



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